Peoria Irish Fest
Activities
Music is king here, make no mistake, But there is SO MUCH MORE to our fest than just music.
You’ll find areas of the grounds dedicated to Irish and Celtic history, language, art, and culture. Stop by the Highland Games – on Saturday, EVERYONE can give their ancient sports a try, and Sunday is an all-out competition. Kids find a warm welcome in our Wee Folk area that is chocked full of age-appropriate entertainments to keep them happy. Shoppers find our vendors bring a diverse and interesting range of jewelry, wearables, and other merchandise. There's something for everyone!
Still, so much more … it’s a whole Celtic Experience!
Read more about all the events happening at Peoria Irish Fest below!
Happy Hour 5K
Join the excitement and help launch the Peoria Irish Fest with the thrilling Happy Hour 5K! The race starts at 6 PM on the Friday of the festival, taking you along a fantastic flat course by the stunning Illinois River, beginning and ending right at the Peoria Irish Fest grounds. And guess what? Your race entry includes access to the Friday Irish Fest and 2 Beverage Tickets! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to kick off an unforgettable weekend!
**A portion of the proceeds will go to Lifeline Pilots, who coordinate free air transportation, through volunteer pilots, for passengers with medical or humanitarian needs far from home.
Music Sessions
Irish traditional music sessions are famously informal gatherings at which people play Irish traditional music. The Irish language word for “session” is seisiún.
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At the Peoria Irish Fest, ours are “open” sessions, meaning anyone able to play Irish music is welcome. Always wanted to give it a try? This is your chance – EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Here’s what generally happens: someone starts a tune, and those who know it join in. Good session etiquette requires not playing if one does not know the tune – or at least quietly playing an accompaniment part – and waiting until a tune one knows comes along.
But you’ll get all kinds of encouragement from our session leaders. Just look at the pictures from our last sessions. Professionals and amateurs playing elbow-to-elbow, all focused on the tune. And such a wide range of ages!
2025 SCHEDULE COMNG SOON! CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE AND BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE SCHEDULE IS LIVE!
Highland Games
Nowhere do the Scottish Highlands influence the Peoria Irish Fest more than in the Highland Games. Saturday is an exhibition, with a friendly competition between Scotland and Ireland. Everyone can try the Highland Games on Saturday! Signup at the fest, at the Sports Field. On Sunday, you might see fewer smiles, as an actual competition takes place.
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It is reported that King Malcolm III of Scotland, in the 11th century, summoned contestants to a foot race to the summit of Craig Choinnich (overlooking Braemar). Some have seen this to be the origin of Highland games. However, modern Highland games are largely a Victorian invention, developed after the Highland Clearances.
Athletes compete in:
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Braemar Stone / Open Stone – Weighing 20-26 lbs. and 16-22 lbs. for men, respectively, this closely resembles the “shot put” event of modern track & field.
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Heavy / Light Weight for Distance – “Light and heavy” weights — 28 lbs. and 56 lbs. for men — tossed with a one-hand throw.
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Caber Toss – A long log, hoisted vertically on the smaller end, is run forward and tossed so that the upper end strikes the ground first. Ideally, the oth
er end falls over, landing at 12 o’clock on an imaginary clock, relative to the direction of the run. -
Sheaf Toss – A bundle of straw in a burlap wrap, weighing 20 lbs. for men, is tossed vertically from a pitchfork.
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Weight Over Bar – Athletes toss a 56-lb. weight (for men) over a bar with a one-handed throw.
Irish Dance
Irish Dance is very unique. England made it illegal to dance in Ireland, during the dark days. They defined dancing as jumping up and down and waving your arms and hands around. Well, you know the Irish – “rules are made to be broken”. Irish Dancers stand in one place and do not move their hands from their side. You’ve got to be in great shape to do this. Scottish Dancers were not limited by the same English rule.
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Our Dance Stage, located near The Snug, will offer Irish Dance and Scottish Dance.
2025 SCHEDULE COMNG SOON! CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE AND BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE SCHEDULE IS LIVE!
Tasting Room
Whether you are a first time Irish whiskey drinker or an experienced connoisseur, come to the Tasting Room for authentic tastings led by local experts who will not only offer samples of various products, but also educate participants on tasting technique and facts about the drink itself.
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You’ll learn the differences between the brands and hear stories of their distilling histories. The tastings will be held at scheduled times throughout the weekend and seats are limited. Check the schedule as soon as you enter the grounds, and get your tickets right away.
We will host classes covering several Irish Whiskeys. Scotch will be available at Malanaphy’s. These classes are limited and seating is available by reservation only. Please visit any of our on-site pubs to learn how to purchase tickets for this popular event!
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The Tasting Room is located on the third floor of the Gateway Building, near Vince’s Whiskey Terrace.
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2025 SCHEDULE COMNG SOON! CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE AND BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE SCHEDULE IS LIVE!
Grafton Street Vendors
Shopping and souvenirs are part of any great vacation – why not make it part of your Irish Fest tradition as well?
Be sure to visit the Grafton Street Vendors area early and often. From the funny to the fantastic, from the silly to the sublime, from the historic to the hysterical: The quality and variety of the goods you’ll find will put a smile on every Leprechaun’s face!
2024 Vendors Included:
World of Faeries
Alpaca Creations
IshopIrish
Mystic Ireland
Lei Lotus
LIttle Bird Nest
Edge of Normal
The Ameirecan – Irish Gift Shop
The Argyll Collection
Sean’s Celtic Creations
Thorn and Thistle Apothecary
CR Crafts
2025 Vendors Listed Soon!
Cultural Village
Stroll through our Cultural Village and stop to enjoy Irish history, art and much more. There is much to explore and celebrate in the Village!
2024 Cultural Village highlights included:
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Ancient Order of Hibernians
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Friends of Clonmel (Ireland Sister City)
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Irish Wake
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Eddie Price, Author
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James Trearty, My Irish Driver
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Irish Genealogy with Peoria County Genealogical Society (Saturday only)
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We Play in Peoria: Old Time Radio Live on Stage (Saturday only)
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Irish Storytelling (Saturday and Sunday)
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Gaelic Athletic Games Explained (Saturday and Sunday)
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W. B. Yeats in Song (Sunday only)
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Calligraphers / Illustrators (Sunday only)
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Wool Spinning and Weaving (Sunday only)
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Exhibits
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James Joyce (in Vince’s Whiskey Terrace)
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Blazing a Trail – Live and Legacies of Irish Women
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History of Ireland in 10 Words
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Irish Entertainment Hall of History
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Book of Kells
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Tis Herself
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We’ll be waiting for you in the Cultural Village!!
Wee Folks
Peoria Irish Fest is a family-friendly event! Under our tents you will find free activities for kids of all ages.
Kids 12 and under get free admission daily! Note: Parents must supervise children at all times. Thank you for helping us create a SAFE environment for your Leprechauns!
Past Kids Activities have included:
Lucky the Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt
Bradley Chemistry Club Demos
Barnyard Discoveries
Face Painter
Storytelling
Puppet Show
Sheep Dog Demonstrations
Balloon Man
Fountain Stage
Guests love how we turned a disused fountain into one of the most intimate stages on our grounds. This simple stage lets guests get up close and personal with their favorite acts, while letting our performers let their hair down! It’s a perfect combination creating unforgettable moments.
Sunday Mass
Services are offered on Sunday morning at Peoria Irish Fest.
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Liturgy for Peace and Justice – The Catholic Diocese of Peoria will celebrate the Peoria Irish Fest Annual Liturgy for Peace & Justice at the Main Stage. Music will begin at 10:30 am, followed by the service at 11 am.​
Free admission Sunday 9am – 11am for anyone wearing a kilt or bringing a donation for the canned food drive!